The Public Service Amendment Bill 2007 is said by the Minister in charge, Mr. Semano Sekatle to allow for an efficient, effective and timely dispensation of justice in the public service.

The Public Service Minister, said the bill, which is read for the second time in the Senate is to amend the Public Service Act 2005, adding that the amendment provides for the establishment of a number of panels to constitute the Public Service Tribunal.

Mr. Sekatle further said the bill will also provide for the disputes that arise from cases in the Public Service to be referred to the Labour Court for appeal, which is the only court that is competent to deal with labour issues.

He expressed need to gradually move towards a single labour system in Lesotho, hence the amendment.

In support of the bill, the leader of the House, Mr. Refiloe Masemene said public servants are the implementers of government policies and programmes and so there need to ensure that their complaints in the public service are being dealt with respect.

Mr. Masemene said the bill will grant an opportunity for unacceptable disciplinary cases of the public servants to be heard and discussed at the courts and be resolved peacefully.

He added that the bill is part of the government's effort to improve the public service through protection of human and workers rights.

The Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu Chief Khoabane Theko, said it is imperative that the social welfare of public servants be improved, but this, he said should be done in line with provisions of delivery of quality services to the public.

He urged public servants to respect the public and dedicate themselves to their work, noting that it is embarrassing when the public servants render poor services to the public.

Source: LENA 31/10/2007